The Carter Center congratulates the Bolivian people for the peaceful exercise of its civic obligations during the constitutional referendum held on Jan. 25. The Center's political mission visited more than 100 polling stations and did not witness any act of violence or intimidation that would affect the voting of the citizens. The mission appreciates the willingness of political and social leaders in the three departments they visited to share their visions and concerns regarding the process and the future of Bolivia.

As stated in a Jan. 21 press release, the Carter Center's mission had a limited role and did not attempt to carry out an exhaustive observation. Nevertheless, in its final report to the National Electoral Court of Bolivia (CNE) and the Bolivian and international communities, the mission will issue some observations and recommendations based on the field observation in the country.

The Carter Center has followed the political process of negotiating a text for the new Constitution since 2007. At the invitation of the national government, The Carter Center appointed a representative, Mr. Alejandro Nató, in La Paz in September 2007, to assist in conflict management training and relations with mass media. Mr. Nató also participated in the observation of the National Dialogue during October 2008.

The Carter Center is aware of the arduous process in drafting the Constitution over the last two years. After witnessing the National Dialogue last October, the modifications approved by the National Congress, and the convocation of the popular referendum for Jan. 25, 2009, the Center was pleased to accept the invitation of the CNE to observe the referendum to approve the constitution. Under the accord signed with the CNE, the Center sent a small mission to observe the prevailing political climate and the citizens' vote during the referendum, in accordance with the Electoral Code.

At the polling stations visited, the members of the mission found party poll watchers observing the vote, especially in Tarija and Santa Cruz. We are pleased to verify that, in spite of the high polarization in the country, these poll watchers supporting both the NO and the YES options were congenial and cooperative. We also found effective citizen control and responsible conduct of election workers in all three departments, carrying out their civic duties and rights in the installation of the electoral tables, the vote, poll closing, and counting of the results.

The mission congratulates the CNE for incorporating new safety measures in the voting process. It also recognizes that there remain essential tasks for the CNE in the short and medium term. In particular, it is important for the CNE to conduct a thorough review of the voter registration process and update the voter's list before the elections in December 2009. In the medium term, the CNE should improve the systematization of voter registration and coordinate with the National Police and Civil Registry to comprise the voter's list. In the upcoming days, we will make specific recommendations in our report to the CNE.

We recognize that as of today and under the supreme authority of the new Constitution, Bolivia will have to develop new institutions and elaborate the corresponding juridical framework. The good faith of the political actors and the support of citizens are essential to achieve these tasks.

It is indispensable that Bolivians overcome poverty and social exclusion. With this aim, national and regional leaders should enter into an effective dialogue and consensus-building process, with full respect to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

During private meetings with high-level political actors carried out by the mission in the three departments visited, we found a more moderate climate and a greater disposition to dialogue about specific problems than is suggested by public discourse. Disputes are instead concentrated in the control and distribution of fiscal revenues and the respective rights and authority of the various government levels.

The transition initiated with the new Constitution requires minimum agreements for its regulation, for the development of a new framework of the State, and for the prevention of power vacuums.

The Carter Center reaffirms its commitment to Bolivian democracy and remains at the disposition of its social and political leaders to contribute to the process of transition and implementation of the new Constitution.

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Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

Bolivians went to the polls on Jan. 25, 2009 in El Alto, Bolivia, and approved a new constitution. The text was approved with more than 60 percent of the vote. Election day was orderly, with very few incidents reported.

The streets of La Paz, Bolivia, were quiet and orderly on election day Jan. 25, 2009, as the nation approved a new constitution. Driving is prohibited without a permit on election Sunday in Bolivia, and all businesses are closed, so the only activity of the day is voting.